How long did you feel like this??

TIME
Hey Melanie

It just takes alot of time for the body to recover from such major trauma. I talk about this alot, but it's just biological stuff here - poor Christ has just had the stuffing kicked out of him with a major surgery and his body is telling him Ouch.

In all honesty, it will probably take Chris a full year to begin to feel close to what he wants to - along the way he will incrementally improve, but it's not based on any timetable. The body heals at its own rate for each one of us and Mother Nature tells us all when we're ready.

The healing process happens in stages along the way and Chris may be in a cycle now where his body is tired in this phase - just have him rest and sleep as long as he feels like doing it - he'll know when it's time to sit up, or if he wants to go for a drive or go outside.

As far as eating and getting sick, I'd watch this and see if it's a phase and if he goes through it, gets better and is ok - and then see if it happens again.

If things get really uncofortable, I'd contact the onc and tell them his symptoms so they can get it on record and can monitor it. July 30 may be the next scan, but up to date info from you, might influence their decision - at least they will be aware of it.

Trauma is not to be underestimated - as people we can only look at the outside of ourselves and if we look ok, we expect to feel ok. But none of us can see our insides after such major trauma and see what has happened to us.

Be concerned and vigilant, but try not to worry excessively just yet.

You are a loving caregiver and Chris is lucky to have you as his partner:)

-Craig

It takes time....
Not to make you sad, but to encourage...I didn't start feeling like myself again for at least a year after treatment...

But, IT DOES HAPPEN!!!!

I agree with Kim...you all should keep his doctor informed...

Maybe look at what he's eating, and go back to basics...

Hugs, Kathi

greybeard said:

so sloooow.
Melanie

I can tell you that for me, the seemingly endless time spent healing/recovering from what we put ourselves through in this fight, was and remains what I have the least amount of patience with when it comes to Cancer and Me. It does take time, and sometimes for me anyway, I didnt even realize I was progressing unless I looked backwards to remind myself of where I had been. Things will get better, as others have said be watchful/vilagent and remember where Chris has been.
I really wasnt going to post a response to this as I dont have anything "new" to add, but I couldnt let a caregiver with my middle daughter's name (Melanie) who is caring for someone named Chris pass by. Hope this finds ya smilin' , try to stay positive that things will get better, and maybe sometimes, just "holding your own" for awhile is really progress in disquise?
Chris

Just sharing
Hi Melanie,

Just need to ask, is Chris actually vomiting after eating? Or is he getting any lower abdominal pain, say for instance between his lower abdomen and groin area? I was suffering from the latter and it turned out to be an abcess, had to have surgery to have it removed. I'm not trying to scare you, just sharing what happened with me.

I would have periods where I wouldn't eat for several days to a week, because of the pain. I know for me, medical marijauna did the trick for naseua and vomiting and it also really helps with the appetite. The biggest problem for me was making sure not to over eat when the munchies hit afterwards.

Is Chris getting any anti-emetics, like Zofran or Compazine? If not you may want to discuss it with his Oncologist. They helped for me, but I still had to do the MM in adition to the anti-emetics. I hope your guy gets to feeling better soon. Hang in there for him, it really does help having a loving and concerned caregiver, which I can tell you are.

Don